Kimber Lanning – Founder & Executive Director of Local First Arizona

Kimber Lanning is an entrepreneur, arts advocate and community activist who works to cultivate strong, vibrant communities and inspire a higher quality of life in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Lanning is actively involved in fostering cultural diversity, economic self-reliance and responsible growth for the Phoenix metropolitan area.

In 2003, Lanning founded Local First Arizona, a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to raising public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by locally owned businesses. In late 2005, Local First secured 501(c)6 non-profit status, and proceeded with Lanning as the executive director. The organization has since mushroomed to over 1,500 members, and Lanning works extensively with city and state policymakers to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs of all sizes. Along with an advisory board of dedicated, local business owners and civic leaders, Kimber pursues the dual goal of establishing vibrant and culturally unique businesses at the forefront of the valley’s identity, as well as creating a sustainable and healthy region through the implementation of diverse local economies.

She works to inform, educate, and motivate consumers to support local enterprises, and encourages public policy that enables locally owned and operated businesses to thrive. Lanning was most recently appointed as a director for the City of Phoenix Development Advisory Board. Source: http://www.livingeconomies.net/staff-and-board#Kimber